America's Happiest and Most Depressed Cities

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Different surveys take different criteria into consideration, what with different people difining quality of life differently. Some feel that the arts (symphony, museums, etc) rank highly, others might rank education, job security highly, a third could rank green living most highly. So, surverys and polls are usually skewed towards the agenda of the poll taker.

Wouldn't it be rare, though, that a city would rank last or close to last on each survey? On the same token, I can't think of any cities that would be at the top or close to the top of all of the surveys, either. I feel like all cities win some and lose some, and most (like where I grew up) end up right in the middle all of the time.

[PeppyGPhiB]

I have to wonder if the survey took into account that Portland (well, Oregon) has physician-assisted suicide, which I imagine would increase the count of suicides if for only some deaths would be reclassified from what they would otherwise be.

People in Portland and Seattle probably take more anti-depressants just due to the number of cloudy days we have. If you grow up in it (like me), it probably doesn't even bother you. But for many people who move to the PacNW (and we have LOTS of those up here in this corner), it's hard to adjust to and they get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Those people either take Vitamin D supplements, get a special light, or take anti-depressants in the winter. Our summers are beautiful and I definitely notice a positive change in mood!

Portland is a cute city. Very walkable and bikeable. And some great shopping, with no sales tax too! But the driving down there sucks!

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

Wouldn't it be rare, though, that a city would rank last or close to last on each survey? On the same token, I can't think of any cities that would be at the top or close to the top of all of the surveys, either. I feel like all cities win some and lose some, and most (like where I grew up) end up right in the middle all of the time.

True. In other words, many people seem to take surveys more seriously than they should.

[Thetagirl218]

Wow....how did they figure this out?

My city is the 3rd most depressing in the country....its not that bad! lol! Maybe all the Hurricanes and home foreclosures?

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by honeychile

True. In other words, many people seem to take surveys more seriously than they should.

I think the residents of the respective cities tend to take these things too much to heart. If you enjoy where you're living, great...just understand that your city may have a reputation (deserved or not) by those who don't live there.

For example, I love Boston, I really enjoyed living there for 7 years, and I would move back in a heartbeat if I could, but I understand there are some people who can't stand it there.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by honeychile

True. In other words, many people seem to take surveys more seriously than they should.

Except people in Camden, NJ...that place is terrible.